Suspension assembly for a machine

ABSTRACT

A suspension assembly for a machine is provided. The suspension assembly includes a first suspension structure and a second suspension structure. The first suspension structure includes a first suspension pad and a first support plate coupled to the first suspension pad. The first support plate has a first interlock component formed therein. The second suspension structure includes a second suspension pad and a second support plate coupled to the second suspension pad. The second support plate has a second interlock component formed therein. The second interlock component is complimentary to the first interlock component and configured to engage with the first interlock component.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present disclosure relates to a machine. More particularly, thepresent disclosure relates to a suspension assembly for the machine.

BACKGROUND

Machines, such as track-type machines, include a main frame supported onan undercarriage through an equalizer bar. The equalizer bar allows adegree of flexibility in the movement of the undercarriage relative tothe main frame. Such a movement is typically dampened by one or moresuspension pads provided between the mainframe and the equalizer bar. Inoperation, as the machine moves on a rough terrain, the main frame movesrelative to the undercarriage thereby causing the suspension pads to beeither relaxed (uncompressed) or compressed. The suspension pads aregenerally made of elastomeric material such as rubber, which compressesand dampens the movement of the main frame relative to the equalizerbar, thereby assisting in ride improvement for the operator.

Such suspension pads are installed as a stacked assembly coupled to eachother and the equalizer bar by use of fasteners such as nuts and bolts.During compression of these suspension pads, these fasteners tend tointerfere with each other and potentially cause damage to the suspensionassembly of the machine. Additionally, such suspension pads aredifficult to install and maintain.

There exists a need for an improved suspension assembly which is moredurable, easy to install, and easy to maintain.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

According to an aspect of the present disclosure, a suspension assemblyfor a machine is provided. The suspension assembly includes a firstsuspension structure and a second suspension structure. The firstsuspension structure includes a first suspension pad and a first supportplate coupled to the first suspension pad. The first support plate has afirst interlock component formed therein. The second suspensionstructure includes a second suspension pad and a second support platecoupled to the second suspension pad. The second support plate has asecond interlock component formed therein. The second interlockcomponent is complimentary to the first interlock component andconfigured to engage with the first interlock component.

In yet another aspect of the present disclosure, a machine is provided.The machine includes a mainframe, an under carriage and a suspensionassembly. The main frame includes a laterally extending saddle member.The under carriage supports the main frame. The suspension assemblyincludes an equalizer bar having a central portion and a pair of distalend portions. The central portion is pivotally coupled to the saddlemember and each of the pair of distal end portions are coupled to theunder carriage. The suspension assembly further includes a firstsuspension structure and a second suspension structure. The firstsuspension structure includes a first suspension pad and a first supportplate coupled to the first suspension pad. The first support plate has afirst interlock component formed therein. The second suspensionstructure includes a second suspension pad and a second support platecoupled to the second suspension pad. The second support plate has asecond interlock component formed therein. The second interlockcomponent is complimentary to the first interlock component andconfigured to engage with the first interlock component.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 illustrates a side view of a machine, in accordance with theconcepts of the present disclosure;

FIG. 2 illustrates an assembly having a main frame with a suspensionassembly of the machine, in accordance with the concepts of the presentdisclosure;

FIG. 3(a) illustrates an exemplary first support plate for a firstsuspension structure of the suspension assembly, according to anembodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 3(b) illustrates an exemplary second support plate for a secondsuspension structure of the suspension assembly, according to theembodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 3(c) illustrates assembling of the first support plate and thesecond support plate, according to the embodiment of the presentdisclosure;

FIG. 3(d) illustrates an assembled first support plate and the secondsupport plate, according to the embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 3(e) illustrates an assembled suspension assembly, according to theembodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 4(a) illustrates an exemplary first support plate for a firstsuspension structure of the suspension assembly, according to a secondembodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 4(b) illustrates an exemplary second support plate for a secondsuspension structure of the suspension assembly, according to the secondembodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 4(c) illustrates assembling of the first support plate and thesecond support plate of the first suspension structure and the secondsuspension structure respectively, according to the second embodiment ofthe present disclosure;

FIG. 4(d) illustrates an assembled first support plate and the secondsupport plate, according to the second embodiment of the presentdisclosure;

FIG. 4(e) illustrates an assembled suspension assembly, according to thesecond embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 5(a) illustrates an exemplary first support plate for a firstsuspension structure of the suspension assembly, according to a thirdembodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 5(b) illustrates an exemplary second support plate for a secondsuspension structure of the suspension assembly, according to the thirdembodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 5(c) illustrates assembling of the first support plate and thesecond support plate of the first suspension structure and the secondsuspension structure respectively, according to the third embodiment ofthe present disclosure;

FIG. 5(d) illustrates an assembled first support plate and the secondsupport plate, according to the third embodiment of the presentdisclosure;

FIG. 5(e) illustrates an assembled suspension assembly, according to thethird embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 6(a) illustrates an exemplary first support plate for a firstsuspension structure of the suspension assembly, according to a fourthembodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 6(b) illustrates an exemplary second support plate for a secondsuspension structure of the suspension assembly, according to the fourthembodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 6(c) illustrates assembling of the first support plate and thesecond support plate of the first suspension structure and the secondsuspension structure respectively, according to the fourth embodiment ofthe present disclosure;

FIG. 6(d) illustrates an assembled first support plate and the secondsupport plate, according to the fourth embodiment of the presentdisclosure;

FIG. 6(e) illustrates an assembled suspension assembly, according to thefourth embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 7(a) illustrates an exemplary first support plate for a firstsuspension structure of the suspension assembly, according to a fifthembodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 7(b) illustrates an exemplary second support plate for a secondsuspension structure of the suspension assembly, according to the fifthembodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 7(c) illustrates assembling of the first support plate and thesecond support plate of the first suspension structure and the secondsuspension structure respectively, according to the fifth embodiment ofthe present disclosure; and

FIG. 7(d) illustrates an assembled first support plate and the secondsupport plate, according to the fifth embodiment of the presentdisclosure; and

FIG. 7(e) illustrates an assembled suspension assembly, according to thefifth embodiment of the present disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Reference will now be made in detail to embodiments of the presentdisclosure, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanyingdrawings. Wherever possible, the same reference numbers will be usedthroughout the drawings to refer to the same or like parts.

FIG. 1 illustrates an exemplary machine 100. According to variousembodiments of the present disclosure, the machine 100 may include atrack-type machine or a wheel-type machine. For example, the machine 100may be embodied as a loader, a compactor, a dozer, an excavator, or anyother similar machine. Further, the machine 100 may be an earth movingmachine, a construction machine, a mining machine, an agriculturalmachine, a forest machine, etc. In the illustrated embodiment, themachine 100 is a dozer.

Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, the machine 100 may include an undercarriage102, an engine 104, implements 106, an operator station 108, and anassembly 110. The operator station 108, the engine 104, theundercarriage 102, and the implements 106 are coupled to and supportedby a main frame assembly 126 (shown in FIG. 2) of the assembly 110.

The undercarriage 102 may include a first track 112 supported on a firsttrack frame 114, and a second track 116 supported on a second trackframe 118 (shown in FIG. 2). The first track 112 and the second track116 may include a plurality of track shoes 120. Further, the first track112 and the second track 116 may be powered by the engine 104 to propelthe machine 100.

The engine 104 may be based on one of the commonly appliedpower-generation units, such as an internal combustion engine (ICE)having a V-type configuration engine, an in-line configuration engine,or an engine with different configurations, as is conventionally known.However, aspects of the present disclosure, need not be limited to aparticular type of engine.

The engine 104 may also be configured to power various auxiliaryequipment of the machine 100, including the implements 106 forperforming work at a worksite. The implements 106 may include a blade, abucket, a ripper, a hammer, a grapple or any other suitable implements.In the illustrated embodiment, two implements are attached to themachine 100. One of the implement 106 is a blade 122 attached to a frontof the machine 100 while the other implement 106 is a ripper 124attached to a rear of the machine 100.

The engine 104 and all other components of the machine 100 may becontrolled by an operator stationed within the operator station 108. Theoperator station 108 may include a control panel (not shown) foroperating the machine 100. The control panel may include physicalcontrols/levers and/or touchscreens, etc.

In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the assembly 110 includes amain frame 126 supported on the undercarriage 102 and a suspensionassembly 128, as shown in FIG. 2. The main frame 126 includes a saddlemember 130. As illustrated, the saddle member 130 extends transverselywith respect to the machine 100 and laterally relative to the main frame126.

In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the suspension assembly 128includes an equalizer bar 132 and a pair of suspension sub-assemblies134 provided between the equalizer bar 132 and the saddle member 130.

The equalizer bar 132 includes a central portion 136, and a pair ofdistal end portions, such as a first end portion 138 and a second endportion 140. The central portion 136 is pivotally coupled to the saddlemember 130, whereas the first end portion 138 and the second end portion140 are coupled to the first track frame 114 and the second track frame118, respectively.

The suspension sub-assemblies 134 are positioned laterally spaced apartfrom one another and are identical in structure. The detailedarrangement and structure of each of the suspension sub-assemblies 134are further described in conjunction to FIGS. 3 to 7 in the followingdescription.

Referring to FIGS. 3(a) to 3(e), one of the suspension sub-assembly 134according to an embodiment is disclosed. The suspension sub-assembly 134includes at least a first suspension structure 302 and a secondsuspension structure 304. The suspension sub-assembly 134 may furtherinclude a third suspension structure 306. The first suspension structure302, the second suspension structure 304 and the third suspensionstructure 306 may be arranged in a stacked manner, as shown in FIG.3(e).

The first suspension structure 302 includes a first suspension pad 308and a first support plate 310 coupled to a base of the first suspensionpad 308. In an example, the first support plate 310 may be moldedtogether with the first suspension pad 308. Alternatively, the firstsupport plate 310 may be attached to the first suspension pad 308 usingan adhesive.

The second suspension structure 304 includes a second suspension pad 312and a second support plate 314 coupled to a top of the second suspensionpad 312. The second suspension structure 304 further includes a secondbase plate 316 coupled to a base of the second suspension pad 312. Thesecond support plate 314 and the second base plate 316 may also becoupled to the second suspension pad 312 in a similar manner asdescribed above for the first support plate 310. Further, the secondbase plate 316 is identical in structure with respect to the firstsupport plate 310 of the first suspension structure 302.

The first suspension pad 308 and the second suspension pad 312 may berubber pads that are configured to compress and dampen the movement ofthe main frame 126 relative to the equalizer bar 132, when the machine100 moves on a rough terrain. The first support plate 310, the secondsupport plate 314 and the second base plate 316 may be made up of metalin order to provide fixture and positioning for the suspension padsbetween the equalizer bar 132 and the main frame 126.

According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the first supportplate 310 includes a first interlock component 318 (FIG. 3(a)). Thesecond support plate 314 includes a second interlock component 320formed therein (FIG. 3(b)). The second interlock component 320 iscomplimentary to the first interlock component 318 of the first supportplate 310, such that the two engage with one another to interlock thefirst support plate 310 and the second support plate 314 together, asshown in FIGS. 3(c) and 3(d).

It may be contemplated that for the sake of simplicity, FIGS. 3(a) to3(d) show only the interlocking of the first support plate 310 and thesecond support plate 314, but in actual, the respective suspension padsare also coupled to the plates.

According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the first supportplate 310 includes a first end 322 and a second end 324. The firstinterlock component 318 is a flat tab extending from the first end 322,as shown in FIG. 3(a). Further, as shown in FIG. 3(b), the secondsupport plate 314 includes a first end 326 and a second end 328. Thesecond interlock component 320 includes a flat tab extending from thefirst end 326 and a pair of bent tabs 330, 332 provided on the oppositesides of the flat tab. The pair of bent tabs 330, 332 are bent inwardlytowards each other, such that the flat tab of the first interlockcomponent 318 of the first support plate 310 is aligned, received, andengaged therein, as shown in FIGS. 3(c) and 3(d). Alternatively, thefirst interlock component 318 and the second interlock component 320 maybe swapped, such that, the first interlock component 318 may include thepair of bent tabs 330, 332, whereas the second interlock component 320may include the flat tab.

Further, the first support plate 310 includes a first set of apertures334 provided at the second end 324. Similarly, the second support plate314 includes a second set of apertures 335 provided at the second end328. The first set of apertures 334 are configured to align with thesecond set of apertures 335 and receive fasteners therethrough to fastenthe first support plate 310 and the second support plate 314, when theplates are interlocked together.

The suspension sub-assembly 134 may further include the third suspensionstructure 306 having a third suspension pad 336, a third support plate338 and a third base plate 340. The third support plate 338 is attacheda top of the third suspension pad 336 and the third base plate 340 isattached to a base of the third suspension pad 336. The third supportplate 338 is identical to the second support plate 314, whereas thethird base plate 340 is identical to the second base plate 316, therebyforming the third suspension structure 306 identical to the secondsuspension structure 304.

The third support plate 338 is interlocked and fastened with the secondbase plate 316 in a similar manner as described for the first supportplate 310 and the second support plate 314 above. The third base plate340 may be coupled to the equalizer bar 132 through one or morefasteners (not shown).

FIGS. 4(a) to 4(e) illustrate perspective and exploded views of thesuspension sub-assembly 134 according to a second embodiment of thepresent disclosure. The suspension sub-assembly 134 includes at least afirst suspension structure 402 and a second suspension structure 404.Further, the suspension sub-assembly 134 may include a third suspensionstructure 406. The first suspension structure 402 includes a firstsuspension pad 408 and a first support plate 410 having a firstinterlock component 412. The second suspension structure 404 includes asecond suspension pad 414 and a second support plate 416 having a secondinterlock component 418 complimentary to the first interlock component412, such that the two engage with one another to interlock the firstsupport plate 410 and the second support plate 416 together, as shown inFIGS. 4(c) and 4(d).

In the illustrated embodiment, the first support plate 410 includes afirst end 420 and a second end 422, such that the first interlockcomponent 412 includes a double bent tab extending from the first end420. In an embodiment, the double bent tab is a z-shaped tab extendingfrom the first end 420 of the first support plate 410. Further, thesecond support plate 416 also includes a first end 424 and a second end426, such that the second interlock component 418 includes a slot formedproximal to the first end 424. The slot is configured to receive andengage the z-shaped double bent tab of the first support plate 410 inorder to interlock the first support plate 410 with the second supportplate 416, as shown in FIGS. 4(c) and 4(d). Alternatively, the firstinterlock component 412 and the second interlock component 418 may beswapped, such that, the first interlock component 412 may include theslot, whereas the second interlock component 418 may include thez-shaped double bent tab.

The first support plate 410 and the second support plate 416 includefirst set of apertures 428 and second set of apertures 430,respectively, at the corresponding second ends 422, 426, such that theset of apertures 428 and 430 align to receive a fastener therethrough.

The second suspension structure 404 includes a second base plate 432,identical to the first support plate 410, which interlocks the secondsuspension structure 404 with the third suspension structure 406. Forexample, the third suspension structure 406 may include a thirdsuspension pad 434, a third support plate 436 coupled to a top of thethird suspension pad 434 and a third base plate 438 coupled to a base ofthe third suspension pad 434. The third support plate 436 is identicalto the second support plate 416 and interlocks with the second baseplate 432 in a similar manner as the first support plate 410 and thesecond support plate 416. The third base plate 438 is configured toattach to the equalizer bar 132 to couple the suspension sub-assembly134 to the equalizer bar 132, through one or more fasteners (not shown).

FIGS. 5(a) to 5(e) illustrate perspective and exploded views of thesuspension sub-assembly 134 according to a third embodiment of thepresent disclosure. The suspension sub-assembly 134 includes at least afirst suspension structure 502 and a second suspension structure 504.Further, the suspension sub-assembly 134 may include a third suspensionstructure 506.

The first suspension structure 502 includes a first suspension pad 508and a first support plate 510 coupled to a base of the first suspensionpad 508. The first support plate 510 includes a first interlockcomponent 518. As illustrated, the first support plate 510 includes afirst portion 514 and a second portion 516, such that a width W1 of thefirst support plate 510 at the first portion 514 is less than a width W2of the first support plate 510 at the second portion 516. As the widthare different, the first portion 514 and the second portion 516 define apair of shoulder tabs as the first interlock component 518.

The second suspension structure 504 includes a second suspension pad 520and a second support plate 522 coupled to a top of the second suspensionpad 520. The second support plate 522 includes a second interlockcomponent 524 configured to receive and engage with the first interlockcomponent 518 of the first support plate 510. The second support plate522 defines a longitudinal axis 526 such that the second interlockcomponent 524 includes a pair of laterally spaced apart double bent tabs528 positioned on each side of the longitudinal axis 526. The doublebent tabs 528 are configured to receive the shoulder tabs 518 of thefirst support plate 510, as shown in FIGS. 5(c) and 5(d).

Alternatively, the first interlock component 518 and the secondinterlock component 528 may be swapped, such that, the first interlockcomponent 518 may include the pair of double bent tabs 528, whereas thesecond interlock component 524 may include the pair of shoulder tabs.

Furthermore, the first support plate 510 and the second support plate522 include first set of apertures 538 and second set of apertures 540,respectively, such that the apertures 538 and 540 align to receive afastener therethrough to fasten the first suspension structure 502 andthe second suspension structure 504 together.

Further, the second suspension structure 504 includes a second baseplate 530, identical to the first support plate 510, and configured tointerlock the second suspension structure 504 with the third suspensionstructure 506. For example, the third suspension structure 506 mayinclude a third suspension pad 532, a third support plate 534 coupled toa top of the third suspension pad 532 and a third base plate 536 coupledto a base of the third suspension pad 532. The third support plate 534is identical to the second support plate 522 and interlocks with thesecond base plate 530 in a similar manner as the first support plate 510and the second support plate 522. The third base plate 536 is configuredto be attached to the equalizer bar 132 to couple the suspensionsub-assembly 134 to the equalizer bar 132, through one or more fasteners(not shown).

FIGS. 6(a) to 6(e) illustrate perspective and exploded views of thesuspension sub-assembly 134 according to a fourth embodiment of thepresent disclosure. The suspension sub-assembly 134 includes at least afirst suspension structure 602 and a second suspension structure 604.Further, the suspension sub-assembly 134 may include a third suspensionstructure 606.

The first suspension structure 602 includes a first suspension pad 608and a first support plate 610 coupled to a base of the first suspensionpad 608. The second suspension structure 604 includes a secondsuspension pad 612, a second support plate 614 coupled to a top of thesecond suspension pad 612 and a second base plate 616 coupled to a baseof the second suspension pad 612.

The first support plate 610 includes a first end 618, a second end 620and a first interlock component 622 extending from the first end 618. Inan embodiment of the present disclosure, the first interlock component622 includes a tab portion extending from the first end 618, such that awidth W1 of the first support plate 610 at the first end 618 is lessthan a width W2 of the tab portion. The first support plate 610 mayfurther include a curved portion 624 extending from the second end 620.The curved portion 624 may further include a slot 626 formed therein.

Further, the second support plate 614 includes a first end 628, a secondend 630 and a second interlock component 632 extending from the firstend 628. For example, the second interlock component 632 includes acurved portion 634 having a slot 636 defined complimentary to the tabportion of the first interlock component 622. The slot 636 receives andengages the tab portion of the first interlock component 622 tointerlock the first support plate 610 and the second support plate 614together, as shown in FIGS. 6(c) and 6(d). The second support plate 614may further include a tab portion extending from the second end 630,similar to the tab portion of the first support plate 610.

It may be contemplated that the first interlock component 622 and thesecond interlock component 632 may be swapped for the first supportplate 610 and the second support plate 614, without deviating from thescope of the claimed subject matter. For example, in such a case, thecurved portion 624 having the slot 626 extending from the second end 620of the first support plate 610 may act as the first interlock component622 whereas the tab portion extending from the second end 630 of thesecond support plate 614 may act as the second interlock component 632.

Furthermore, the first support plate 610 and the second support plate614 may include a first set of apertures 638 and a second set ofapertures 640 respectively. As described above, the first set ofapertures 638 align with the second set of apertures 640 to receive afastener therethrough, in order to fasten the first suspension structure602 with the second suspension structure 604.

The third suspension structure 606 may include a third suspension pad642, a third support plate 644 coupled to a top of the third suspensionpad 642 and a third base plate 646 coupled to a base of the thirdsuspension pad 642. The third support plate 644 is identical to thesecond support plate 614 and interlocks with the second base plate 616of the second suspension structure 604 in a similar manner as the secondsupport plate 614 interlocks with the first support plate 610 of thefirst suspension structure 602. Furthermore, the third base plate 646 isconfigured to be attached to the equalizer bar 132 to couple thesuspension sub-assembly 134 to the equalizer bar 132, through use of oneor more fasteners (not shown).

FIGS. 7(a) to 7(e) illustrate perspective views of the suspensionsub-assembly 134 according to a fifth embodiment of the presentdisclosure. The suspension sub-assembly 134 includes at least a firstsuspension structure 702 and a second suspension structure 704. Further,the suspension sub-assembly 134 may include a third suspension structure706.

The first suspension structure 702 includes a first suspension pad 708and a first support plate 710 coupled to a base of the first suspensionpad 708. The second suspension structure 704 includes a secondsuspension pad 712, a second support plate 714 coupled to a top of thesecond suspension pad 712 and a second base plate 716 coupled to a baseof the second suspension pad 712.

The first support plate 710 includes a first end 718, a second end 720and a first interlock component 722 extending from the first end 718. Inthe illustrated embodiment of the present disclosure, the firstinterlock component 722 includes a pair of laterally spaced flat tabs724, 726 extending from the first end 718.

Further, the second support plate 714 includes a first end 728, a secondend 730 and a second interlock component 732 extending from the firstend 728. In the illustrated embodiment, the second interlock component732 includes a pair of laterally spaced apart slots 734, 736 provided ona curved portion 738 extending from the first end 728. The slots 734,736 are defined complimentary to the pair of flat tabs 724, 726 of thefirst interlock component 722. The slots 734, 736 receive and engage therespective flat tabs 724, 726 to interlock the first support plate 710and the second support plate 714 together, as shown in FIGS. 7(c) and7(d).

It may be contemplated that the first interlock component 722 and thesecond interlock component 732 may be swapped for the first supportplate 710 and the second support plate 714, without deviating from thescope of the claimed subject matter. For example, in such a case, thefirst support plate 710 may include the curved portion 738 having thepair of slots 734, 736 that act as the first interlock component 722,whereas the second support plate 714 may include the pair of flat tabs724, 726 that act as the second interlock component 732.

Furthermore, the first support plate 710 and the second support plate714 may include a first set of apertures 740 and a second set ofapertures 742 respectively. As described above, the first set ofapertures 740 align with the second set of apertures 742 to receive afastener therethrough, in order to fasten the first suspension structure702 with the second suspension structure 704.

The third suspension structure 706 may include a third suspension pad744, a third support plate 746 coupled to a top of the third suspensionpad 744 and a third base plate 748 coupled to a base of the thirdsuspension pad 744. The third support plate 746 is identical to thesecond support plate 714 and interlocks with the second base plate 716of the second suspension structure 704 in a similar manner as the secondsupport plate 714 interlocks with the first support plate 710 of thefirst suspension structure 702. Furthermore, the third base plate 748 isconfigured to attach to the equalizer bar 132 to couple the suspensionsub-assembly 134 to the equalizer bar 132, through use of one or morefasteners (not shown).

Although, the foregoing description illustrates the suspensionsub-assembly 134 with three suspension structures, it may be wellcontemplated that any number of suspension structures may be assembledin a similar manner, without deviating from the scope of the claimedsubject matter.

INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY

During assembly, an operator (not shown) may position each of the firstsuspension structure 302, 402, 502, 602, 702, the second suspensionstructure 304, 404, 504, 604, 704 and the third suspension structure306, 406, 506, 606, 706, one over another in a stacked arrangement, suchthat the respective interlocking components facilitate auto alignmentand interlocking of these suspension structures with one another at afirst end. In an embodiment, the operator may subsequently fasten thesesuspension structures at a second end opposite to the first end, by useof fasteners engaged within the aligned apertures thereof, therebyforming the suspension sub-assembly 134.

The above-mentioned interlocking mechanism provided for assembling thesuspension sub-assembly 134 facilitates easy installation andmaintenance of the suspension assembly 128 of the machine 100.Additionally, the interlocking mechanism eliminates usage of fastenerson the first end. Therefore, when the suspension pads compress moretowards the first end, there is no interference of the fasteners witheach other thereby increasing the service life of the suspensionassembly 128.

While aspects of the present disclosure have been particularly shown,and described with reference to the embodiments above, it will beunderstood by those skilled in the art that various additionalembodiments may be contemplated by the modification of the disclosedmachines, systems, and methods without departing from the spirit andscope of what is disclosed. Such embodiments should be understood tofall within the scope of the present disclosure as determined based uponthe claims and any equivalents thereof.

What is claimed is:
 1. A suspension assembly for a machine, thesuspension assembly comprising: a first suspension structure including:a first suspension pad; and a first support plate coupled to the firstsuspension pad, the first support plate having a first interlockcomponent formed therein; and a second suspension structure including: asecond suspension pad; and a second support plate coupled to the secondsuspension pad, the second support plate having a second interlockcomponent formed therein, the second interlock component beingcomplimentary to the first interlock component and configured to engagewith the first interlock component.
 2. The suspension assembly of claim1, wherein the first suspension structure and the second suspensionstructure are arranged in a stacked arrangement.
 3. The suspensionassembly of claim 1, wherein the first interlock component is a doublebent tab and the second interlock component is a slot configured toreceive the double bent tab therein.
 4. The suspension assembly of claim1, wherein the first interlock component includes a flat tab and thesecond interlock component includes a pair of bent tabs configured toreceive the flat tab therein, the pair of bent tabs being bent inwardlytowards each other.
 5. The suspension assembly of claim 1, wherein thefirst support plate includes a first portion and a second portiondefining a pair of shoulder tabs, and wherein a width of the firstsupport plate at the first portion is greater than a width of the firstsupport plate at the second portion.
 6. The suspension assembly of claim5, wherein the second interlock component includes a pair of bent tabsconfigured to receive and engage the pair of shoulder tabs on the firstsupport plate.
 7. The suspension assembly of claim 1, wherein the firstsupport plate includes a first end, a second end, and a tab portionextending from the first end and wherein the second support plateincludes a first end, a second end and a curved portion extending fromthe first end, the curved portion including a complimentary slot withrespect to the tab portion of the first support plate.
 8. The suspensionassembly of claim 7, wherein a width of the first support plate at thefirst end is greater than a width of the tab portion.
 9. The suspensionassembly of claim 1, wherein the first support plate includes a firstend such that the first interlock component includes a pair of spacedapart flat tabs extending from the first end.
 10. The suspensionassembly of claim 9, wherein the second support plate includes a firstend such that the second interlock component includes a curved portionextending beyond the first end and wherein the curved portion includes apair of spaced apart slots configured to receive the pair of spacedapart flat tabs of the first support plate.
 11. A machine comprising: amain frame including a laterally-extending saddle member; an undercarriage supporting the main frame; and a suspension assemblycomprising: an equalizer bar having a central portion and a pair ofdistal end portions, the central portion pivotally coupled to the saddlemember, and each of the pair of distal end portions coupled to the undercarriage; a first suspension structure including: a first suspensionpad; and a first support plate coupled to the first suspension pad, thefirst support plate having a first interlock component formed therein;and a second support structure including: a second suspension pad; and asecond support plate coupled to the second suspension pad, the supportplate having a second interlock component formed therein, the secondinterlock component being complimentary to the first interlock componentand configured to engage with the first interlock component.
 12. Themachine of claim 11, wherein the first suspension structure and thesecond suspension structure are arranged in a stacked arrangement. 13.The machine of claim 11, wherein the first interlock component is adouble bent tab and the second interlock component is a slot configuredto receive the double bent tab therein.
 14. The machine of claim 11,wherein the first interlock component includes a flat tab and the secondinterlock component includes a pair of bent tabs configured to receivethe flat tab therein, the pair of bent tabs being bent inwardly towardseach other.
 15. The machine of claim 11, wherein the first support plateincludes a first portion and a second portion defining a pair ofshoulder tabs, and wherein a width of the first support plate at thefirst portion is greater than a width of the first support plate at thesecond portion.
 16. The machine of claim 15, wherein the secondinterlock component includes a pair of bent tabs configured to receiveand engage the pair of shoulder tabs on the first support plate.
 17. Themachine of claim 11, wherein the first support plate includes a firstend, a second end, and a tab portion extending from the first end andwherein the second support plate includes a first end, a second end anda curved portion extending from the first end, the curved portionincluding a complimentary slot with respect to the tab portion of thefirst support plate.
 18. The machine of claim 17, wherein a width of thefirst support plate at the first end is greater than a width of the tabportion.
 19. The machine of claim 11, wherein the first support plateincludes a first end such that the first interlock component includes apair of spaced apart flat tabs extending from the first end.
 20. Themachine of claim 19, wherein the second support plate includes a firstend such that the second interlock component includes a curved portionextending beyond the first end and wherein the curved portion includes apair of spaced apart slots configured to receive the pair of spacedapart flat tabs of the first support plate.